In a sharply worded letter Tuesday, Dayton told team owner Zygi Wilf that he is distressed by reports the team might charge seat license fees to help generate money for the stadium. Dayton says he will urge a public authority to block any such move.

"The project's strong support came from many regular Minnesotans, not just rich Minnesotans, because they believed the Vikings are also their team. If a new stadium were to betray that trust, it would be better that it not be built," Dayton wrote.

The team is due to pay slightly more than half of the $975 million price tag. Dayton told Wilf that the contribution is the responsibility of team owners, not fans.

The governor has long pushed for what he calls a "People's Stadium." He says he won't let the result be a "Rich People's Stadium."